The phrase “theatre as a weapon” is often used to describe Valdez’s play. Do you think it is an effective weapon? Explain.

The overarching motif of Los Vendidos is cultural assimilation, a cultural warfare, and the tension between Mexican-Americans who embrace their culture and those that assimilate to the dominant American culture. In the play, this notion is explored through the stereotypes of Mexican who still hold on their heritage and also those who acculturate. Miss Jiménez is depicted as an archetypal Chicana who acculturates to escape the stereotypes linked to embracing the Mexican roots. She even assumes an Anglo pronunciation of her name while criticizing the Spanish pronunciation. She has assimilated into a typical American, an expectation required for Mexicans to get career opportunities or positive outlooks in America.